Phatthalung named agricultural product development hub

Phatthalung has been designated as the southern hub for an agricultural product development initiative by the Thailand Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trade of Thailand, and the Provincial Chamber of Commerce. This decision aims to bolster the agricultural sector by showcasing and distributing quality local products nationwide.

At least eight agricultural products from Phatthalung have received the government’s Product Champion Award, highlighting the province’s notable achievements in farming. The province exemplifies how local farmers can diversify their production, create added value through an integrated system, and distribute their goods across the country to boost income.

The eight awarded products include Sang Yot rice, aromatic bananas, salak (commonly known as snake fruit), beef, organic pork, Sam Nam prawns, fermented catfish, and Kra Chut sedge, according to Kittiphit Klapkhun, president of the provincial chamber of commerce.

In the Pa Bon district, Uncle Than’s Salak Plantation serves as a model of agrotourism, enhancing the value of traditional agricultural practices. The plantation has also earned the Young Smart Farmer Award for its integration of the Bio-Circular-Green Economic Model.

In the Bang Kaeo district, farmers adopted an integrated farming system, growing aromatic bananas and other chemical-free fruits within their rubber plantations. This approach allows rubber growers to supplement their income with fruit sales in addition to their usual rubber earnings.

“We now aim to distribute more of these products to the rest of the country so Phatthalung is recognised as an agricultural product hub of the south.”

Products from Phatthalung will be transported via routes across both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Additionally, efforts will be made to promote these farm products to buyers in various regions of the country.

A public-private working group will be established to support farmers with their business needs, ensuring they have the necessary resources and assistance to thrive in their agricultural ventures, reported Bangkok Post.